The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) is the principal legislation governing employment relations and workplace standards in Australia . It establishes the legal framework for the employer–employee relationship, providing a safety net of minimum conditions (through the National Employment Standards and modern awards), enabling flexible working arrangements, and promoting fairness and preventing discrimination at work . The Act also created the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman, which oversee dispute resolution, enforce compliance, and ensure that employers and employees abide by workplace laws. In practice, the Fair Work Act is fundamental for HR, payroll, and compliance professionals – it regulates key aspects of employment such as wages and hours, leave entitlements, collective bargaining, and termination rules, and organizations must adhere to its provisions to remain compliant with Australian employment law.
